relax

verb

re·​lax ri-ˈlaks 

relaxed; relaxing; relaxes

transitive verb

1

: to make less tense or rigid : slacken

relaxed his grip

2

: to make less severe or stringent : modify

relax immigration laws

3

: to deprive of energy, zeal, or strength of purpose

4

: to relieve from nervous tension

5

: to treat (hair) chemically in order to relax curls

intransitive verb

1

: to become lax, weak, or loose : rest

2

: to become less intense or severe

hoped the committee would relax in its opposition

3

of a muscle or muscle fiber : to become inactive and lengthen

4

: to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety

couldn't relax in crowds

5

: to seek rest or recreation

relax at the seashore

6

: to relieve constipation

7

: to attain equilibrium following the abrupt removal of some influence (such as light, high temperature, or stress)

Synonyms

• chill
• chill out [slang]
• decompress
• de-stress
• loosen up
• mellow (out)
• unwind
• wind down

Examples of relax in a Sentence

The muscles in my neck and shoulders should relax after a nice hot shower.

A hot shower relaxed the tight muscles in my neck and shoulders.

I can't relax with all this noise!

Just relax, there's nothing to worry about.

Try to relax and enjoy the ride.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the hair products sit in the hair, time is devoted to relaxing the body with massage, promoting the relaxation response and allowing for optimal regeneration. —Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Hemp contains cannabinoids like CBD and CBN, which have relaxing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and antidepressant properties that may be useful for helping insomnia, reducing anxiety, and inducing a sense of calm. —Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024

Retirees can take a break from relaxing on the gorgeous beaches to visit the Wharf, home to shopping, movies, dining, and regular outdoor music performances. —Ashley Cusick, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2024

The industry retrenchment continued as YouTube and Meta relaxed their rules and chose to permit, once again, false claims that the 2020 election had been stolen. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin relaxare, from re- + laxare to loosen, from laxus loose — more at slack

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

relax

verb

re·​lax ri-ˈlaks 

1

: to make or become loose or less tense

relaxed my attention

2

: to make or become less severe or strict

relax discipline

3

: to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety

couldn't relax in crowds

4

: to rest or enjoy oneself away from one's usual duties

relaxed at the beach

relaxer noun

Medical Definition

relax

transitive verb

re·​lax ri-ˈlaks 

1

: to slacken or make less tense or rigid

alternately contracting and relaxing their muscles

2

: to relieve from nervous tension

3

: to relieve from constipation

medications to relax the bowels

intransitive verb

1

of a muscle or muscle fiber : to return to an inactive or resting state

especially : to become inactive and lengthen

2

: to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety

couldn't relax in crowds